In a recent interview with Channels Television FROM 16:23, Callistus Okafor, the factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, voiced his grievances regarding the ongoing leadership tussle within the party. Okafor, who has been at the forefront of internal disputes, emphasized his commitment to fighting for the constitution of the Labour Party and its members, rather than allowing individuals who have recently joined the party to dominate its leadership.
“I was here when you guys came in, I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m only fighting for the right cause, I’m only fighting for the constitution of the party and fighting for the Labour Party members, not for somebody who just decamped and wants to take over everything,” Okafor stated during the interview.
One of the most striking revelations from Okafor’s remarks was his strained relationship with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Despite several attempts to reach out, Okafor claims that Obi has remained unresponsive to his messages. “I’ve not talked to Peter Obi, I send Peter Obi messages, he never replied. Peter Obi has not met me, I’ve not met with him. I don’t have anything against him. What he has against me, I don’t know,” Okafor said, adding that he believes any actions Obi takes that violate the party’s constitution or the Electoral Act will not succeed.
Okafor also highlighted his efforts to reconcile with key figures in the party, including Julius Abure and Lamidi Apapa, who both represent factions in the leadership struggle. “I contacted Abure, I have contacted Apapa. These are the National Working Committee members that inherited the consent judgment,” he explained.
In addition to reaching out to the Labour Party’s internal leadership, Okafor has also engaged with external stakeholders like the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). “After making peace with them, I will go to NLC, which is also the primary stakeholders, TUC, I have met with them severally and when I met them…,” Okafor noted.